His talent was more of a liability than an asset in the eyes of recruiters.

Before he was a three-time Super Bowl champion, a two-time league MVP, and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history, Patrick Mahomes was a high school star being shockingly overlooked by major college programs-including those in his own home state of Texas. And the reason why? It might just blow your mind.

Despite putting up jaw-dropping numbers at Whitehouse High School-throwing for over 5,000 yards, 50 touchdowns, and rushing for 12 more in his senior season-Mahomes was barely on the radar for big-time college recruiters.

Not even his status as the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes could convince powerhouse schools like Texas and Texas A&M to take a chance on him. The major programs labeled Mahomes a three-star recruit, raising concerns about his footwork and decision-making.

As a result, he received only three offers-Texas Tech, Rice, and Houston. Of those, only Texas Tech was willing to offer a scholarship. But there was an even bigger reason for Mahomes’ snub.

Baseball, basketball, and football

Kliff Kingsbury, his eventual college coach at Texas Tech, and his godfather, former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, believe his multi-sport background actually hurt his football recruitment.

While other prospects were attending high-profile quarterback showcases as freshmen and sophomores, Mahomes was too busy dominating in baseball and basketball. He even threw a 16-strikeout no-hitter in high school.

Because he didn’t fully commit to football until later in his high school career, scouts overlooked him in favor of players who had been attending camps and building relationships with college recruiters for years.

By the time Mahomes took over as the starting QB in his junior year, it was too late to change the minds of powerhouse programs like Texas, Alabama, and LSU, who had already locked in their quarterback targets.

Mahomes taught college football a lesson

Fast forward to today, and Mahomes has rewritten the script. With three Super Bowl titles with the Kansas City Chiefs in five seasons, he has not only silenced the doubters but also changed the way college recruiting works.

Now, programs are more willing to take a closer look at late bloomers and multi-sport athletes, all because no school wants to be the next Texas-a program that missed out on one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Mahomes wasn’t just overlooked-he was a lesson. And one the football world won’t soon forget.